Aleutian Islands Cruise with Kodiak, Katmai & Kenai
Embark 36-guest Safari Explorer for the wildlife-rich Kodiak Island and Katmai wilderness, the glaciers of the Kenai and Prince William Sound, and the volcanic Aleutian Islands. Experience Alaska in a whole new way on this 11-day small ship cruise.

On this 11-day Aleutian Islands cruise, experience a different side of Alaska. Kayak, hike and skiff past millennia-old glaciers. Puffins, eagles, otters and sea lions wait around every cove.
Experience Prince William Sound, Kenai and Katmai National Park, Kodiak Island and a selection of Aleutian Islands. Explore volcanic fields and a petrified forest. Beachcomb rocky shorelines and hike beneath a glacier. Navigate along the least-visited shores in coastal Alaska. Search for wildlife including whales, orcas, eagles, puffins, sea otters, seals and sea lions. Kayak, paddleboard and skiff in hidden coves and narrow fjords. And take in vistas few other Alaska visitors will experience.
One vessel operates this 11-day itinerary, the 36-guest Safari Explorer, which provides a luxury and intimate experience voyaging into the tiniest nooks that other small vessels can’t reach. Built on a unique reputation for adventure, this boat pampers her guests with a three-to-one guest/crew ratio, fresh and healthy meals, experienced expedition leaders/naturalists who know Alaskan culture and topography, high-end expedition gear, plus a wide variety of excursions to suit any activity level. The Safari Explorer is a perfect basecamp for luxury Alaska cruises due to her unique amenities and ideal size.
Read on for details about this Aleutian Islands cruise (plus Kodiak, Katmai and Kenai wilderness), or view all of AdventureSmith’s Alaska trips and small ship Alaska cruises.
Main Aleutian Islands Adventure with Dutch Harbor & Kodiak Itinerary
Cruise from Seward to Unalaska, with regular stops along the way to explore Kodiak, Katmai National Park & Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park.
Welcome to Alaska! Today you’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You will fly into Anchorage and then make your way to Seward, a town full of rich history that acts as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Sit back, relax and enjoy your first delicious meal on board while familiarizing yourself with your home for the next 11 days.
Welcome to the mesmerizing glacial wonderland of Kenai Fjords National Park. Established in 1980, this park safeguards Alaska’s glacial wilderness. Covering over 600,000 acres, it boasts stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and magnificent tidewater glaciers. The park’s 936-square-mile Harding Icefield feeds these glaciers, creating awe-inspiring fjords where land and sea intertwine.
Embark on a wild and untamed journey to Kodiak Island and the breathtaking beauty of rugged landscapes and pristine waters. Paddle through calm bays on kayaking excursions, keeping an eye out for playful sea otters and majestic eagles soaring above. Each day presents new activities for water ops and wildlife watching for nature’s pure magic. Your guides will bring you to see the volcanic islands of the Aleutian chain an intricate part of the Inside Passage. It’s here that an essential habitat of marine mammals and some 40 million seabirds call home.
A landscape is alive underneath your feet, filled with creatures that remind you what it is to be wild. Katmai was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, the ship visits the southeast side of Katmai National Park and Preserve which features 9,000 years of human history and important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears.
Alaska Peninsula Refuge presents a breathtakingly dramatic landscape made up of active volcanoes, towering mountain peaks, rolling tundra and rugged, wave-battered coastlines. When the salmon are running, Ugashik Lakes and streams attract brown bears in great numbers.
No lines, no waiting! Given its remote location and challenging weather conditions, Aniakchak is one of the most wild and least-visited places in the National Park System. This landscape is a vibrant reminder of Alaska’s location in the volcanically active Ring of Fire, as it is home to a massive six-mile-wide, 2,500-foot-deep volcanic crater formed during a massive eruption 3,500 years ago.
Looking at the petrified logs and stumps along the shores of Unga Island, and understanding that they are remnants of a sequoia or metasequoia forest buried as a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, is a moment only your ship operator can bring you. The petrified forest tells the story of the passage of species between Asia and America, and helps portray the climate and environment of the Aleutian Arc before humans inhabited Alaska. The waters off the Shumagin Islands are known also for catching sights of whales, so keep a lookout along the horizon.
Depending on weather and wildlife, your expedition team selects the day’s activities to ensure the maximum adventure possible. Options may include paddling or skiffing alongside volcanic islands, or exploring remote coves alive with seabirds, sea lions, and other wildlife.
Today’s adventure will be a fiery one. Welcome to Akutan Island–home of the active Mount Akutan volcano. The volcano erupted most recently in 1992. The recent volcanic activity makes Akutan Island an amazing destination for ecotourism. Hiking on the island offers a diverse landscape where wildflowers and berries abound on hills and mountains.
Today, you’ll explore the town of Unalaska. You’ll dock in Dutch Harbor, the final stop of your trip. But the adventure doesn’t end here. Take in the sights of the Church of the Holy Ascension–a national landmark and the oldest church building in Alaska. Hike and explore Dutch Harbor, best known for being the home harbor of Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch.
One last breakfast with new friends before you begin to head back to Anchorage. After breakfast, transfer to the Dutch Harbor airport to catch your independently arranged flight.
Included
Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines), non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts; taxes and port fees.
Exclusions
Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature.
Payment & Cancellation
For bookings made on or after October 1, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
121 days or more – 50% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 50% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
For bookings made up to September 30, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to a Future Travel Certificate)
90 to 61 days – 67% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The main Aleutian Islands cruise begins in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC), and ends in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor (DUT). Plan flights to arrive to Anchorage by 1:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Dutch Harbor no earlier than 11:00am on the final day.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation and polar bear plunges. Limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.
Families & Children
Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
Reverse Aleutian Islands Adventure with Dutch Harbor & Kodiak Itinerary
Cruise from Unalaska to Seward, with regular stops along the way to explore Kodiak, Katmai National Park & Preserve, and Kenai Fjords National Park.
Arrive in Unalaska, Dutch Harbor and transfer to the ship. Meet your crew and familiarize yourself with your home for the next 10 days. Adventure, here we come.
Today, you’ll explore the town of Unalaska. Take in the sights of the Church of the Holy Ascension–a national landmark and the oldest church building in Alaska. Hike and explore Dutch Harbor, best known for being the home harbor of Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch. Museum of the Aleutians and the WWII National Historic area in Dutch Harbor offer a peek into how instrumental this area was to the history of the world.
Today’s adventure will be a fiery one. Welcome to Akutan Island–home of the active Mount Akutan volcano. The volcano erupted most recently in 1992. The recent volcanic activity makes Akutan Island an amazing destination for ecotourism. Hiking on the island offers a diverse landscape where wildflowers and berries abound on hills and mountains.
Depending on weather and wildlife, your expedition team selects the day’s activities to ensure the maximum adventure possible. Options may include paddling or skiffing alongside volcanic islands, or exploring remote coves alive with seabirds, sea lions, and other wildlife.
Looking at the petrified logs and stumps along the shores of Unga Island, and understanding that they are remnants of a sequoia or metasequoia forest buried as a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, is a moment only your ship operator can bring you. The petrified forest tells the story of the passage of species between Asia and America, and helps portray the climate and environment of the Aleutian Arc before humans inhabited Alaska. The waters off the Shumagin Islands are known also for catching sights of whales, so keep a lookout along the horizon.
No lines, no waiting! Given its remote location and challenging weather conditions, Aniakchak is one of the most wild and least-visited places in the National Park System. This landscape is a vibrant reminder of Alaska’s location in the volcanically active Ring of Fire, as it is home to a massive six-mile-wide, 2,500-foot-deep volcanic crater formed during a massive eruption 3,500 years ago.
Alaska Peninsula Refuge presents a breathtakingly dramatic landscape made up of active volcanoes, towering mountain peaks, rolling tundra and rugged, wave-battered coastlines. When the salmon are running, Ugashik Lakes and streams attract brown bears in great numbers.
A landscape is alive underneath your feet, filled with creatures that remind you what it is to be wild. Katmai was established in 1918 to protect the volcanically devastated region surrounding Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Today, the ship visits the southeast side of Katmai National Park and Preserve which features 9,000 years of human history and important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears.
Embark on a wild and untamed journey to Kodiak Island and the breathtaking beauty of rugged landscapes and pristine waters. Paddle through calm bays on kayaking excursions, keeping an eye out for playful sea otters and majestic eagles soaring above. Each day presents new activities for water ops and wildlife watching for nature’s pure magic. Your guides will bring you to see the volcanic islands of the Aleutian chain an intricate part of the Inside Passage. It’s here that an essential habitat of marine mammals and some 40 million seabirds call home.
Welcome to the mesmerizing glacial wonderland of Kenai Fjords National Park. Established in 1980, this park safeguards Alaska’s glacial wilderness. Covering over 600,000 acres, it boasts stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and magnificent tidewater glaciers. The park’s 936-square-mile Harding Icefield feeds these glaciers, creating awe-inspiring fjords where land and sea intertwine.
One last breakfast with new friends before you begin to head back to Anchorage via a scenic motorcoach ride. Then transfer to the Anchorage airport.
Included
Accommodations aboard vessel; onboard meals; premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines), non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embarkation/disembarkation day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment; exclusive activities and shore visits; wellness amenities; presentations by onboard expedition/heritage guides and guest experts; taxes and port fees.
Exclusions
Airfare to and from your home city; discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew; travel insurance and insurance of any kind; optional excursions and land tours; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature.
Payment & Cancellation
For bookings made on or after October 1, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
121 days or more – 50% of deposit
120 to 91 days – 50% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
For bookings made up to September 30, 2025
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit (transferable to a Future Travel Certificate)
90 to 61 days – 67% of total trip cost
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The reverse Aleutian Islands cruise begins in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor (DUT), and ends in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Arriving in Dutch Harbor the day before embarkation is strongly recommended due to weather concerns. Plan flights to arrive to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor by 1:30pm on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Anchorage no earlier than 2:00pm on the final day.
Activities
Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most any expedition to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include whale watching, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, morning yoga and stretching, land treks, glacier viewing, wildlife observation and polar bear plunges. Limited quantities of hiking poles, binoculars, mud boots and rain gear are available on board. To ensure availability and fit, we encourage you to bring your own gear.
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy at 150-175% of the per-person listed rate; special triple-occupancy rates may also be available in select cabins. Call AdventureSmith for more details, as availability and rates vary by ship and cabin category.
Families & Children
Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates; exceptions for children 7 years and under may be allowed with special pre-approval. Save $500 per child, ages 8 to 17, with the exception of holiday departures.
Travel Insurance
Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.
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The motor yacht Safari Explorer embodies an ambiance of refinement and relaxation, with just 36 guests. Her crew of 14-15 takes care of passengers’ every need. The performance-built Safari Explorer primarily cruises the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska's Inside Passage and is notably one of the few vessels in her well-loved fleet that operates trans-Pacific voyages twice each year, spending the North American summer/fall in Alaska, and the winter/spring in Hawaii.
Why Sail Aboard Safari Explorer
Choose the Safari Explorer if you are seeking a small ship that feels like a yacht. She has upscale appointments and a yacht-like atmosphere but still feels spacious, comfortable and welcoming. Expect as much activity as you wish, with the amenities you would expect from a much larger ship, including windows in every cabin (no portholes). AdventureSmith's founder, Todd Smith, has always called this ship the quintessential expedition ship: "I always say that once you cruise aboard the Safari Explorer, you will be hooked on small ships forever."
She is applauded by our team as being the Goldilocks of small ships; not too big, not too small, but just the right size. She continually receives rave reviews from AdventureSmith Explorations' staff and clients. While the cabins and common areas make for an incredibly comfortable basecamp, it is her service, active itineraries and cuisine that stand out the most.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Safari Explorer firsthand, and can help you compare this with other ships offering Alaska small ship cruises, Hawaiian Island cruises, U.S. cruises, Canada cruises and Pacific Northwest cruises. Read our dedicated Safari Explorer Ship Review written by one of our specialists, or consult this page further for a detailed description of the vessel, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all Safari Explorer cruise itineraries, dates and rates.
Common Areas Aboard Safari Explorer
Aboard the yacht, three public decks provide plenty of room for mingling, relaxing and enjoying the fresh air. The salon and lounge provide an inviting space with warm wood accents to be educated by lectures on the environment, wildlife, history and culture of the region. A TV screen drops down from the ceiling to provide visual accompaniment. Local experts are often invited along as special guests to "talk story" and provide insights unavailable to most other visitors. On select departures, onboard expert naturalists and guides are complemented by guest hosts in the fields of ornithology, photography, marine biology, wine and wellness, among others.
Musical instruments, guidebooks and games like mancala further encourage interaction. Large couches and a piano adorn the lounge, adjacent to a full-service bar staffed by a few rotating bartenders. A modest gear and merchandise store is available, as well as a public wash closet on the the aft of the Main Deck interior.
The Bridge Deck features five lounge chairs, four sets of tables and chairs, and abundant space to spread out to embrace the Hawaiian sun or brisk air in Alaska. A separate shaded seating area with table and patio furniture has additional seating for six. This is also where guests can take advantage of the ship's open bridge policy, offering opportunities to chat with the officers and crew and spot marine life from their perch. Please note: Safari Explorer is equipped with limited internet connectivity, to encourage the opportunity to disconnect. Cell phone reception may be available when the ship is in more populated areas; a satellite phone is available (added cost) for emergencies.
Dining Aboard Safari Explorer
The Dining Room, located on the Main Deck, provides a casual atmosphere with open seating that accommodates all guests in one sitting. Meals aboard the Safari Explorer are served over several courses, with particular attention to the personal preferences of diners. Vegetarian dishes are available, as are reduced portions. Other special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Executive chefs create exquisite meals, using locally sourced fresh ingredients to reflect the flavors of each destination. Each day includes an early-riser breakfast starting at 6:30am of fresh fruit and squeezed juices, onboard-baked pastries and breads, followed by a full made-to-order breakfast complete with specialty items. Lunches range from pasta salads and sandwiches to homemade soups and ethnic dishes. Elegant plated dinners offer a choice of entrées, including fresh seafood and meats; a split plate is even available for indecisive eaters. Desserts are plentiful, imaginative combinations of tarts, pies, cakes and mousses.
Fine spirits, wines and microbrews are included, as are highly imaginative cocktails of the day, mocktails, rotating drafts and espressos. Hors d'oeuvres for a daily cocktail hour feature a variety of appetizers. Plus filtered water, coffee and hot tea are available for self-serve any time.
Activities Aboard Safari Explorer
Active adventure cruises aboard the Safari Explorer allow freedom to engage in many activities. Two rigid-frame inflatable skiffs operate excursions from this vessel, with each able to hold half the guests aboard along with a few members of the crew. In Alaska, skiffs are primarily used for remote shore landings, and for scenic wildlife cruising. In Hawaii, skiffs are used for accessing marinas throughout the itinerary, and for snorkeling.
A full-beam swim step makes for easy access to the water or kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from the stern of the vessel. The vessel carries a quiver of kayaks and SUPS, which can be used for guided outings (kayaks only) or open paddle/swim events. Important to note that different kayaks are used depending on where you cruise. In Alaska, sit-inside double kayaks are used, and in Hawaii sit-on-top kayaks are used. Also in Hawaii, the vessel will provide a dedicated snorkel set (mask, snorkel, fins) for use throughout your voyage. You can conveniently store this equipment in the cabin-assigned lockers on the back deck.
There is no guided wellness program offered onboard, but guests can find fitness equipment on the Bridge Deck in the form of weights, benches, elliptical, spin bike, yoga mats and blocks for self-use. A hot tub on the Bridge Deck is filled for cooler-weather Alaska itineraries, and the ship features a mechanized swimsuit dryer for frequent use in Hawaii and hot tub and polar plunge enthusiasts in Alaska. Other features are hiking poles for use and hydrophones for listening to below-surface sounds.
Crew & Guides Aboard Safari Explorer
Aboard Safari Explorer each crew member wears many hats and has the opportunity to hone a variety of skills. This level of variety keeps the crew connected and happy, and provides a cohesive environment. Aboard you'll find a dedicated Expedition Leader as well as multiple guides, bosuns, chefs, a hotel manager and servers who all work together. There is 1 crew member for every 2.5 guests aboard, so there is always someone available to help make your voyage more informative, comfortable and unforgettable. "Well prepared" and "proactive" are common compliments we receive of the staff aboard this ship.
Cabins & Safari Explorer Deck Plan
Safari Explorer features 18 well-appointed cabins. All but 4 cabins are located on the Cabin Deck, featuring an exterior wraparound deck with a sturdy railing to let you soak up the views from any direction. There are 5 stateroom categories aboard the Safari Explorer: 10 Navigator, 2 Trailblazer, 1 Jr. Commodore, 3 Admiral and 2 Commodore Suites. All staterooms feature view windows; king, queen or twin beds (each has a Tempur-Pedic® memory foam mattress); a spacious private ensuite bath with heated tile floor and separated shower and toilet; at least one sitting chair; ample storage space; binoculars for use; flat-screen TV/DVD; iPod docking station; reusable water bottles; hair dryer, bathrobes, conditioning shampoo and body wash; and unique art pieces. View the Safari Explorer deck plan below or contact our crew to find the best cabin for you.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
This adventurous motor yacht embodies an ambiance of refinement and relaxation. The Safari Explorer cruises the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska's Inside Passage. and the Gulf of Alaska.
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